There it is. The moment I thought about my whole life. Wondering what it would be like to be the adult, the parent. This is it, right now. There is my energetic, full-of-life, blue-eyed toddler... jumping around my couch and tossing pillows across the room. And there is his curly-haired little sister, waddling around chasing him down the hall. This is it. Parenthood. My husband and I, two sinners saved by grace, just trying to figure out this crazy world. Often times feeling like a crazy toddler ourselves... bobbling around, looking up to our father in heaven to take our hand, to help us understand this world.
There are days that I feel very confident as a parent. Other days, I'm ready to throw in the towel. But thank you God for this opportunity. I am blessed. These are things that I hope my children will learn from my husband and I. Not just by "teaching" them, but by "showing".
1. People matter.
I truly hope my kids understand this. I hope by our lives, they see that nothing matters more to God than people. All people. People we don't like, people who are different than us, people who just get on our nerves... they all matter to God. I hope they never learn from me that it is okay to sit around and gossip about others and why we are so much better than them. This simply is not okay in our eyes. I pray my kids want to love and serve others because their parents loved and served others. I want my kids to see through our example that "You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5:13. I pray God would instill this in us each day so that they may have this heart as well.
2. They matter.
I pray my kids will see and understand their worth in Christ. I pray they can understand how deep and how wide God's love is for them. I pray that their dad and I can daily understand that we are deeply loved by our Father in Heaven so that Psalm 139:14 would ring true in their own souls and they will know "I am fearfully and wonderfully made". I pray when they feel slammed by a crazy world, that they would put their hope in Christ and look to him for confidence. I pray they understand that God has an amazing plan and purpose for each of their unique little lives. Lord, please help them to feel loved, each day of their lives. Help us to listen to them. Help us to be attentive in those little babbling and ramblings and cute stories they so eagerly tell. Help us to listen. To affirm and build up. Help us to point them to you.
3. Slow down.
I don't think I have to go in depth on how fast and busy this world is. All the distractions. All the busyness and schedules and to-do lists and things to get done. It's hard to balance this as an adult, but I pray we can. I pray we slow down and unplug. We set our electronics, tasks, errands aside and take time with those we love. I pray I embrace my time and be present with my family. I pray we have many moments of just sitting on the back patio, watching the sunset and enjoy melting popsicles on a cool summer night. I pray we feel the breeze through our hair and feel the way it brushes against our skin. I pray we look up and breathe in the awe and wonder of a big God, who created so many beautiful things for us to enjoy. I pray they learn to savor the little things and enjoy the moment they are in right now. I pray they know the value in just sitting and spending time with people they love. Even if it is just sharing a laugh or telling stories. I pray they know it is okay to not be busy. It is okay to just be, and to just soak in God's goodness. Remind me of this too, as each new day comes.
4. Feed the soul.
I cannot boldly face the day with a full spirit without first spending time with the one who gave it all. I love just waking up and spending time with God. I love giving him thanks for all He has given me. I love just sitting and contemplating and wondering why God would give me so much when I know I deserve so little. I love opening up my Bible and being reminded of His promises to me. I love feeling His grace and forgiveness, so that I can give it. I love blasting my worship music... some days the tears just fall as I pray over my family and this world, other days I can't control the laughter and the way my kids and I dance around the kitchen. That feeling of "I can't get enough of my Jesus right now". I pray my kids feel Him and know Him and they are surrounded by people who will push them to seek Him more, because He is love.
5. He is the "I am".
God is God. The creator of the universe. The one in control of it all. I pray my kids know they don't have to do this life on their own. Every day, every step, every decision, every breathe... I pray they know they are not alone. I pray they come to know Christ as their personal Savior, and they know that He is always on their side. I pray at a young age they experience His promises like Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,' Declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I pray they grow to love and live in awe of our Heavenly Father and to find confidence and a purpose in Him. I pray we live in such a way, that these things are evident and true to them.
Lord, these are just a few things I pray for my children. I know being a parent is a big job and a big responsibility. Help us each new day to look to you for help, strength, guidance. Lead us as we lead these precious children that you have loaned to us. Thank you Jesus for sweet moments, difficult moments, teachable moments and the joy that parenthood brings. And thank you for loving me today and always.
Amen.
